‘Investing in foundational learning is key to shaping responsible citizens’
Dr Vandana Shahi, a Gold Medallist in MSc Biosciences, transitioned from higher education to school education with the vision of offering assistance at the foundational level. As Principal of BCM School, Basant Avenue, Dugri Road, and the CBSE District Training Coordinator, she has contributed to shaping the educational system. In recognition of her efforts, Dr Shahi was awarded the National Award to Teachers by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, in 2022. Here, she shares her experiences and insights on education, CBSE and the future of learning in a conversation with Shivani Bhakoo.
What is the difference between CBSE and its international avatar?
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is one of the most widely recognised educational boards in India, with over 27,000 schools across the country and 240 schools in 28 countries, including Qatar, UAE, Singapore and Saudi Arabia. The CBSE International (CBSE-i) programme was introduced to align with global academic standards and cater to the needs of Indian families relocating abroad. While both the CBSE and CBSE-i boards share common core strengths, CBSE-i offers a more globalised curriculum, providing students with an international perspective, while still preserving the core values and objectives of the CBSE.
What do you think is the ideal foundation for students in school?
An ideal foundation for students starts in the first three years, focusing on their health, well-being and development as effective communicators. During these early years, children should be encouraged to engage actively with their environment, cultivating curiosity and a love for learning. Once these foundational elements are in place, the next focus is on developing literacy and numeracy skills, which are crucial for future academic success. Mastery of reading and mathematics provides children with the essential tools to learn, think critically, and excel across various domains of education.
How can society shape the future of younger generations in a better way? Society holds immense power in shaping the future of our younger generations by creating an environment where every child feels safe, inspired and free to dream. The New Education Policy (NEP) offers a transformative vision: strengthening young minds through foundational learning in the mother tongue, promoting inclusive education, introducing early vocational training and offering the freedom of subject choice. However, realising this vision requires strong partnerships between parents and schools. We must reconnect these two entities, share responsibility and embrace the spirit of the NEP. It’s vital to invest in empathetic, well-trained teachers, prioritise stuters well-rounded development for all students.
Tell us about your experience in this field? How can we improve the education system? My journey in education began in 1996 when I started my first job at a college. Since then, I have had the privilege of teaching both adolescents and younger students at the foundational level — both of which are undeniably critical stages in a child’s educational journey. However, I firmly believe that we need to focus more on the foundational stage. If we provide greater care and attention to this phase, we can nurture not just cognitive abilities, but also socio-cultural, moral, and aesthetic development. By emphasising foundational education, we lay the cornerstone for shaping compassionate, capable, and responsible citizens of tomorrow.
Ludhiana